Members of the WMS Community,

I am looking forward to an exciting year in which we will study many different aspects of the natural world. This year you will become familiar with concepts regarding the definition of science, scientific thinking, and the methods of science.

Science is not merely a collection of facts, concepts, and useful ideas about nature, but is a method of “investigating nature” or a “way of learning about nature that discovers reliable knowledge about it." Anyone can “think like a scientist." Simply learn the methods of investigation and experimentation, and apply those concepts and rules learned to scenarios that present themselves in your own life. 

Researchers studying education have reached significant conclusions on how students learn science best. This knowledge base has been accumulated from research studies over the last 20 years. Depth of science comprehension is achieved through practicing the skills and thought processes that scientists engage in regularly. Developing confidence in these practices allows students to break down any new situation or problem that may arise, and develop a plan to find potential solutions to those problems. The key in development of long-term retention of various science topics is that the student is responsible for problem solving, the student is collecting their own data, and the student is able to comprehend, discuss, and express what that data means.

Good luck this school year!

Mr. Olvesen 

Mr. O’s Classroom Survival Guide

A student’s natural interests in science blossom through real-world science exploration and hands-on inquiry. Activities and assessments promote higher-order, critical thinking skills that will result in improved student performance.

Classroom Procedures: 

-          Respect the rights of others at all times

-          Wait until others are finished speaking before you speak

-          Always employ academic honesty

-          Respect all organisms

-          Know how you should be working

-          Take care of what you use

-          Follow all lab safety rules